Election Commission finalizes proposed amendments to local government election laws

The Election Commission (EC) has finalized several proposed changes to existing laws and rules ahead of the upcoming local government elections. The commission announced that these approved proposals will be sent to the Ministry of Law shortly.

EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed shared this information with journalists following the 12th Commission meeting held at the Nirbachan Bhaban in Agargaon, Dhaka, on Tuesday (July 21).

He stated that after reviewing the election-related laws for five types of local government institutions—Union Parishad, Upazila Parishad, Municipality, City Corporation, and Zila Parishad—the amendment proposals have been finalized. However, no discussions have taken place with the government regarding the scheduling or organization of the local government elections yet.

Akhtar Ahmed informed that according to the proposed amendments, MPO-affiliated teachers will not be eligible to contest local government elections. Additionally, loan defaulters, guarantors of defaulted loans, and individuals with unpaid utility bills will also be disqualified from candidacy. The Commission has approved these proposals, which will be forwarded to the Ministry of Law after completing the necessary procedures.

The Senior Secretary also outlined the EC's future plans regarding National Identity (NID) cards and voter registration. Currently, information is collected from individuals aged 16 and above, who are then automatically added to the voter list once they reach 18. However, the Commission is evaluating whether the age limit for information collection can be lowered further.

He added that a final decision on whether to begin data collection at the SSC, eighth-grade, or primary school level will be made later based on comparative analysis.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin presided over the day-long 12th Commission meeting. Four Election Commissioners, the Senior Secretary, and senior officials of the Commission were present at the meeting.